the PI required for the lot or lots tested; however, additional samples may be required. The frequency of SFTIs is
as prescribed in the SB for the item, or as directed by AMCCOM.
Inspection Intervals
As you have learned, the inspection interval depends mainly on the type of inspection and the situation or the
operations taking place. However, the PI (or cyclic inspection) is a continuous operation using specified intervals.
The normal interval of inspection is based on the assigned category of the ammunition item to be inspected.
These categories have been derived from research on the expected rate of deterioration. When the time since the
date of the last inspection exceeds the assigned interval by six months, serviceable ammunition lots are transferred
to ACC-D. This means that the ammunition cannot be issued before being inspected. The entire lot remains in
ACC-D until the inspection has been performed.
When the inspection results of a specific lot reveal progressive degradation to such a degree that the lot may
become unserviceable before expiration of the assigned category interval, the next inspection must be scheduled
at a shorter interval based on the conditions detected, the storage conditions, and the materiel involved.
The normal interval of inspection may be expanded whenever local storage conditions, climatic conditions, and
previous inspections justify doing so. A prime concern is relative humidity. The QASAS in charge is responsible
for determining which items and specific lots to place in an expanded inspection interval status.
For most efficient operations, all similar items should be programmed during the same month or months of a
given year's PI schedule. To establish and maintain a schedule by like items, it is permissible to vary the date of
the next inspection by decreasing the interval by up to five months, or increasing the interval by up to six months.
Emphasis is placed on the inspection of overdue lots placed in ACC-D pending inspection. When the total
workload precludes this, inspections are scheduled to ensure that sufficient quantities with a current inspection are
on hand to fulfill issue requirements.
Defect Classification Standards
Ammunition defects are classified as either critical, major, minor, or incidental.
A critical defect is one that is likely to result in hazardous or unsafe conditions for individuals using, maintaining,
or depending on the item, or one that is likely to cause the destruction of, or serious damage to, the weapon or
launcher under training or combat conditions.
A major defect is one that is likely to result in failure during tactical use, or one that precludes or materially
reduces the usability of the item.
A minor defect is one that is not likely to result in failure during use, or reduce the usability of the item, but
should be corrected prior to issue.
A incidental defect is one that cannot be classified as critical, major, or minor. It may be corrected when routine
maintenance is performed on the item. Incidental defects are not normally reported to the commodity command
(unless specifically requested), but they are recorded on the DA Form 3022-R.
Some items are evaluated on the basis of defectives rather than defects. Defectives are items having one or more
defects; that is, an ammunition item having one or more major defects is considered a major defective. An
ammunition item having one or more critical defects, one or more major defects, and one or more minor defects is
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